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3 Important things to know about a Company Secretary

Read about the most important things a person should know about company secretaries. Know the skills required to become one.
authorImageIzhar Ahmad27 Dec, 2023
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3 Important things to know about a Company Secretary

The word "company secretary" is one that many people know very little about. The 3 most crucial points we've covered should be clear to anyone if they choose to go into depth about what company secretaries does and what their responsibilities are. The company secretary's responsibility is to make sure that the company is operating efficiently and that there are no operational obstacles. In addition, the company secretary oversees compliance, statutory regulation, and all other regulatory procedures that guarantee the smooth operation of the business.

In addition, the company secretary has to handle legal paperwork, improve shareholder relations, guarantee dividend payments are made on schedule, and keep accurate corporate records.

Also Read- 12 Things to Do After CS Professional Exam 2024

3 Most Important Things to Know About Company Secretaries

Below we have provided 3 most important things any individual should know if they wish to become a company secretary:

1. What is the Role of a Company Secretary?

The responsibilities of a company secretary can vary based on the size and intricacy of the company. Nevertheless, there are several common tasks that all secretaries typically handle:
  • Managing the company's administrative duties
  • Assisting the chairman in overseeing the board
  • Facilitating clear communication between the board, upper management, non-executive directors, and committees
  • Establishing a connection between the board and shareholders
  • Ensuring compliance with legal requirements
  • Keeping company records up-to-date
  • Verifying the proper functioning of any company schemes
The duties of a company secretary are extensive, significantly influencing the operational dynamics of the company. Due to this complexity, it is often deemed essential to appoint a dedicated individual as a company secretary rather than assigning it as one of the responsibilities of a company director.

2. Can Anyone Take on the Role of a Company Secretary?

In most instances, individuals over the age of 18 can become a company secretary. However, specific criteria must be met to become company secretaries, as stipulated by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA). To qualify for ICSA membership, one must have:
  • A professional qualification from the ICSA
  • An accredited degree in company secretarial practice
  • A relevant post-graduate qualification
  • A minimum of three years of experience in the role
  • While many companies prefer chartered company secretaries, it's not the sole option available.
Individuals without ICSA accreditation working in the role are classified as associate members. Although they may lack the same level of expertise as chartered secretaries, they remain an alternative option.

Also Read- Understanding the Limitations on Company Secretary Appointments

3. Are There Any Challenges to Being a Company Secretary?

Like any occupation, being a company secretary has its pros and cons. In this role, there are two main challenges: Ensuring the company complies with its legal obligations, demanding significant responsibility to guarantee everything is conducted ethically. Managing a complex job that can be mentally and physically taxing. Depending on the company's complexity, the role may entail long hours and a thorough understanding of intricate legal documents.

8 Important Skills Required by Company Secretaries

To become and practice the profession of a company secretary, one needs a lot of skills, a few of the important skills required by company secretaries are mentioned below:

Financial Analysis Skills:

While overseeing and regulating organizational functions, company secretaries are also required to possess above-average financial analysis knowledge. Some public accountants may qualify for the role due to their proficiency in financial analysis. These skills are particularly valuable when cross-checking details on tax assessments, overseeing various share allotments, and providing insights on financial statements.

Exceptional Organizational Skills:

Company secretaries frequently engage in creating schedules that align with the board of directors' needs. Additionally, they play an important role in coordinating various types of meetings, covering logistical, travel, and accommodation details closely. The ability to organize notes, information, and meeting details is required for company secretaries. This skill ensures efficient regulation and presentation of relevant information to concerned parties when needed.

Understanding Legalities:

Primarily responsible for ensuring legal compliance, company secretaries must be well-versed in the regulatory and statutory requirements set by authorities such as accounting and corporate regulatory bodies. This includes tasks like filing annual accounts, amending articles of association and memorandum, and timely updates of shares, transfers, notices, and company registers. A comprehensive understanding of the laws governing companies is crucial for successfully performing these tasks.

Consultancy Skills:

The role of a company secretary has developed to include senior corporate officers' responsibilities. Senior corporate officers are primarily tasked with addressing corporate governance matters for the company's board of directors. Therefore, company secretaries need a deep knowledge and understanding of executive management and stakeholders within the company. This knowledge is essential for presenting information to directors and maintaining a sustainable governance framework.

Critical Thinking:

In certain situations, corporate secretaries may need to make critical decisions or devise innovative and logical solutions during the organization's growth. Therefore, possessing critical thinking skills is essential for analyzing problems and developing novel strategies to enhance and streamline different processes.

Attention to Detail:

Possessing a sharp eye for detail is a crucial skill for a company secretary. This skill enables them to pass through the intricate aspects of business operations effectively. Moreover, a company secretary must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the organization's ongoing projects. This proficiency allows them to identify the finer points contributing to the overall picture. Whether in operations or finance, a proficient company secretary effortlessly provides pertinent and valuable information about the organization's workings when required.

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Customer Service Skills:

Company secretaries often interact with customers and clients to address queries and convey crucial information. Possessing patience, courtesy, and professionalism is crucial for effective communication with different clients. As representatives of the organization during interactions with clients, company secretaries play a key role in solving queries and gathering information with politeness and professionalism.

Note-Taking and Typing:

As administrative professionals responsible for documenting crucial meetings, company secretaries must excel in note-taking and typing. This ability allows them to capture essential takeaways and information during significant meetings. Additionally, the ability to compile these notes into a clear and structured email format is essential for effective communication with all relevant parties. Knowledge of shorthand is also advantageous for keeping up with discussions and preventing the control of critical information.
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Company Secretaries FAQs

What are the qualities of a company secretary?

A good company secretary must be honest. They commit to the highest ethical and moral standards.

What is the key responsibility of the company secretary?

Agendas and content for board meetings, committees, and annual general meetings (AGMs) are prepared, and action items are taken by them.

What are the soft skills for a secretary?

Interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and writing abilities are three prevalent soft skills among secretaries.

Can a CS become CEO?

A company secretary might also be the CEO of the company, thus putting him or her in close contact with the board of directors.

Is secretary a good career?

Being a Company Secretary is not just reputable, but also economically viable, with qualified professionals reportedly earning INR 1-1.5 crore per year.
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